Basics of Pistol Shooting Course

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The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course introduces students to the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary for owning and using a pistol safely. Through this course, the students will learn about pistol parts and operation, ammunition, gun safety, pistol shooting fundamentals, and pistol shooting activities. The Basic Pistol Course will also help prepare the student for participation in other NRA courses.

The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting is intended for all individuals regardless of previous shooting experience or NRA-affiliation. You do not need to own or bring a handgun to attend this NRA class.

The course is about 9 hours including range time. This course may be completed in a single day format or over several days with smaller blocks of instruction.

What You'll Learn

• • Essential gun safety rules

  • Different types of pistols and which one is best for you

  • The basics of ammunition

  • The fundamentals of pistol shooting

  • Different shooting positions

  • The most common shooting errors

  • Proper gun cleaning and maintenance

  • How to maintain your skills

  • MAY include specifics for Maryland (leading to HQL)

Terminology

We do not use the term “weapon” in this course. “Weapon” has a negative connotation. We will use “pistol,” “revolver,” “gun,” “firearm,” specific model, etc. We will not employ the use of a W Jar.

No Live Ammunition in the Classroom

No live ammunition is permitted in the classroom. In a training environment where handling and dry firing is necessary, it is imperative that no loaded firearms be present. If ammunition is not in the room, it cannot possibly get into a firearm! This protects the instructors and the students. Only dummy ammunition that is visually distinct from live ammunition is allowed in the classroom. Live ammunition may only be present on the range during live-fire exercises.

Maryland Firearms Safety Training Course for Handgun Qualification License

If you're a resident of Maryland you may also complete the Maryland Firearms Safety Training Course requirements to apply for a Handgun Qualification License. It is an additional course of instruction which includes classroom instruction on state firearm law. The BOPS course will already cover home firearm safety, handgun mechanisms and operation, and a component that requires the applicant demonstrate the ability to safely fire a handgun.

Certification Requirements

• All persons of less than 21 years of age may only take this course with their parent or with an adult guardian.

• Attend the entire course.

• Participate in discussions and practical exercises

• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to safely and proficiently use a pistol.

• Achieve an examination score of 90% or higher.

• Score four five-shot groups within the four-inch circle at 10 feet